• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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New national sportswear venture launches in North East

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A world leading performance sports apparel brand has launched in the UK, with the Tees Valley as its headquarters.

Chief Executive Ben Houchen and Chief Operating Officer Mark Holt, together with Claire Fiddler, Head of Purchasing and Ben Azadi, Head of Marketing have invested £450,000 to acquire the UK licence for Australia-based BLK Sports (Beyond Limits Known) and taken delivery of their first £1 million worth of stock.   It will trade as BLK United Kingdom.

Based at the Durham Tees Valley Business Centre, Stockton on Tees the business has already created eight jobs for local people, with more expected.

BLK is already working in partnership with the RFL to provide the England Rugby League team, the RFL and sports match officials with high performance, cutting edge kit for the next four years.

BLK was created in Australia in 2011 with the goal of developing an innovative, strong and credible brand through customer service and quality player tested apparel and accessories.

The product range has been developed to fulfil the needs of the modern athlete and supporter, from technical training and match day equipment and apparel to a superior lifestyle and supporters range. The emphasis is on design excellence, performance, durability and innovation.

BLK United Kingdom has ambitious plans to work with high-profile teams across a range of sports and to launch a bespoke range of non-licenced sports fashion wear.

Ben Houchen, chief executive officer of BLK United Kingdom, said:  “We are pleased and proud to be launching this exciting new venture in the Tees Valley, at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

“Acquiring the BLK licence for the UK represents a significant investment but we have a wealth of experience in the team and a myriad of exciting and innovative ideas to make the business a major success story for the region.”

By admin